Cheshunt Lock facts for kids
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| Waterway | River Lee Navigation |
|---|---|
| County | Hertfordshire |
| Maintained by | British Waterways |
| Operation | Manual |
| Length | 85 feet (25.9 m) |
| Width | 16 feet (4.9 m) |
| Fall | 5 feet 1 inch (1.5 m) |
| Distance to Bow Creek |
14.5 miles (23.3 km) |
| Distance to Hertford Castle Weir |
11.8 miles (19.0 km) |
| Coordinates | 51°42′36″N 0°01′01″W / 51.710046°N 0.016882°W |
Cheshunt Lock (Number 9) is a special kind of gate system on the River Lee Navigation in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire. It helps boats move up and down between different water levels. Think of it like a water elevator for boats!
Contents
What is a Lock and How Does it Work?
A lock is a chamber with gates at both ends. It's used to raise or lower boats from one water level to another. When a boat enters, the gates close. Water is then either added or removed from the chamber. This changes the water level inside to match the level on the other side. Once the levels are equal, the other gate opens, and the boat can continue its journey. Cheshunt Lock helps boats travel smoothly along the River Lee.
Where is Cheshunt Lock Located?
Cheshunt Lock is found within the beautiful River Lee Country Park. This park is a big part of the larger Lee Valley Park. It's a great place to explore nature and see different kinds of wildlife. The lock itself is an important part of the waterway system here.
Nature and Wildlife Around the Lock
To the east of the lock, you'll find the Seventy Acres Lake. This lake is a very important home for a special bird called the bittern. Bitterns are shy birds that blend in well with their surroundings. To the west is North Met Pit, which used to be a gravel pit. Now, it's a popular spot for anglers (people who fish) and naturalists (people who study nature). You might see many interesting plants and animals here!
How to Visit Cheshunt Lock
You can easily reach Cheshunt Lock by walking or cycling. There's a special path called a towpath right next to the river. This towpath is part of the longer Lea Valley Walk, which is a great trail for exploring the area.
Getting There by Public Transport
If you're coming by train, the closest station is Cheshunt railway station. From there, you can make your way to the lock and enjoy the surrounding park.
| Next lock upstream | River Lee Navigation | Next lock downstream |
| Aqueduct Lock 1.0 mile |
Cheshunt Lock Grid reference: TL3700003169 |
Waltham Common Lock 1.0 mile |
